LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has granted in principle approval to transform 7,500 villages into model villages in the second phase of the provincial Model Village Project, while directing authorities concerned to present clear timelines for completion.
Chairing a special review meeting on rural development and clean water initiatives here on Wednesday, the chief minister set a target to clean stagnant wastewater ponds in villages by June 30 and directed that a dedicated helpline (1336) be fully activated for immediate resolution of complaints regarding water filtration plants.
She also ordered the early completion of bottling plants in Khushab and Chishtian, and instructed that the cluster-based water supply scheme in Rajanpur be completed by May 15. She further directed that all malfunctioning water filtration plants be repaired and restored without delay, emphasising that the provision of clean drinking water must remain a top priority in the province’s most underserved and polluted areas.
“Negligence in the repair and restoration of water filtration plants for the provision of clean drinking water will not be tolerated. Access to clean drinking water is the right of every citizen of Punjab,” she said.
According to a briefing, work on transforming 485 villages into model villages is already underway in the first phase at a cost exceeding Rs59 billion. Each model village is being equipped with modern water supply systems, solar-powered tubewells, drainage facilities, and upgraded wastewater pond cleaning mechanisms.
The chief minister also set August 31 as the deadline for completion of septic tanks (natural water filtration systems) in rural areas, adding that after desilting, treated water will be reused for irrigation purposes.
The CM said the government’s goal of transforming rural areas into model settlements would be achieved at all costs. “People living in rural areas have an equal right to resources, and we will ensure they receive them,” she added.
